The Honours Bachelor of Child Development (BCD) is a four-year degree program designed to prepare students for professional careers supporting the growth, development, learning and well-being of children, youth and families. The program combines theory, research and practical experience to provide a comprehensive understanding of child development across diverse social, educational and community settings.
Students explore child and youth development, family support, early learning, mental health, advocacy, leadership and inclusive practices while developing strong critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based approaches to supporting children and families and prepares graduates to work effectively within health, education and social service sectors.
A significant component of the program includes multiple field placements and a mandatory work term, allowing students to apply classroom learning in real-world environments while building professional experience and industry connections. Graduates are also eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) and become Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE).
The program provides strong preparation for leadership roles in child and family services, early intervention, mental health support, community programming, policy development and research. Graduates may also pursue teacher education programs or continue to master's-level studies for further specialization.
- Academic Requirement: • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. • Grade 12 English required. • Applicants with backgrounds in Social Sciences, Child Development, Psychology, Education or related fields are preferred. • International applicants must submit academic transcripts and graduation certificates. • Early Childhood Education (ECE) graduates may be eligible for pathway entry into advanced semesters.
- ELP Requirement: • IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (No Band Below 6.0) • PTE Academic: 60 • Duolingo English Test: 120-125 • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 22 in each skill • CAEL: 70 (Writing 60) • Cambridge English: 176 (No skill below 169)
- Special Requirement: • Four separate field placement experiences throughout the degree. • Mandatory Work Term (Minimum 420 Hours) required for graduation. • Field placements and work terms must be completed in person. • Graduates become eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE). • Strong focus on child development, family support, mental health, leadership and early intervention. • Pathway available for Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma graduates.
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Students whose study permit applications are still pending may request a deferral to the next available intake, provided the request is submitted before Day 10 of classes and the program is available. Deferrals are granted only once.
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Students awaiting an IRCC decision must still meet the deferral deadline. Requests submitted after Day 10 of classes will not be approved solely because a study permit decision is pending.
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Students may alternatively withdraw and apply for a refund by submitting the required withdrawal form and supporting documentation. Applicable administrative fees may be deducted.
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If a study permit application is refused, students may defer their admission and request a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to support a future study permit application. PAL issuance is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
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Refund requests due to study permit refusal must include a copy of the official IRCC refusal letter and be submitted within 14 days of the refusal date.
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Only the refusal letter associated with the intake being withdrawn from will be considered for refund eligibility.
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Students whose second study permit application is refused before the start of classes may still qualify for a refund, subject to Seneca’s refund policy.
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Deferral requests are subject to program availability, and late requests may require a written appeal.
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Approved late deferrals may be subject to a CAD $200 late fee.
- Application Fee: $90
- LOA Deposit: $0
- Annual Tuition Fee: $22,000
- Total Tuition Fee: $88,000
- Course Duration: 4 years
- Credentials: Bachelors
- Intake: September 2026